Vitamins to Avoid Getting Sick

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Vitamins regulate metabolism, enable cell growth and strengthen the immune system. Getting the adequate daily allowance of vitamins can assist in improving your immune system to fight infections and keep your body functioning efficiently. Your doctor or health care provider can recommend the correct values to help ensure your vitamins are working for you.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants that have important functions in your body. It’s a water-soluble vitamin that helps in your development. Some of its functions are to heal wounds; perform repair and maintenance for growth of cartilage, bones and teeth; absorb iron; and form collagen in the bones, muscles, cartilage and blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps your body resist infection and boost the immune system, notes KidsHealth. Your body can’t make its own vitamin C, therefore much of your vitamin C intake comes from your diet. Rich sources of vitamin C come from fruits and vegetables including citrus fruits, tomatoes and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium and strengthen your bones. Unlike vitamin C, most people obtain the vitamin D they need from sunlight exposure, rather than the diet. Vitamin D occurs naturally only in some foods such as fatty fish, cheese and eggs. This type of vitamin helps to improve muscle strength and immune function, maintain adequate blood levels, reduce inflammation and promote the absorption of calcium. If your body has deficiencies in vitamin D, you may be more prone to illness and disorders such as osteoporosis. "U.S. News and World Report" says that studies have found vitamin D to boost the immune system and deficiencies in the vitamin are linked to increased risk for respiratory infections, such as the common cold and flu.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that assists in the formation of red blood cells. One of its main functions is to protect the body from free radicals, which can damage organs, tissues and cells. The Linus Pauling Institute also notes that vitamin E enhances specific aspects of the immune system that appear to decline as you age. While research on the role of vitamin E on the resistance of illness as you age continues, this vitamin plays an important role in many metabolic processes. You can obtain vitamin E by eating such foods as nuts and seeds, whole grains, egg yolks and leafy green vegetables.

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About the Author

Jonathan VanDam has written professionally for work assignments since 2006. He currently works in the counseling and academic fields. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in psychology from Mercy College in 2007 and Master of Science in psychology from University of Phoenix in 2009. VanDam is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in health psychology.